Les mistons (1957)
*** (out of 4)
Early Truffaut short has five young boys following around a beautiful woman who they begin to have feelings for even though none of them know exactly what the feelings are. They follow the woman around with her young lover as they walk, play tennis and eventually make love. This is a pretty good short with the director, apparently, reliving his youth and his first awakening to beautiful women in their short skirts. The movie is extremely well-made and I couldn't help but get a big chuckle at of the various situations that the boys put this woman and her lover in. I couldn't help but remember certain situations in my own use where my friends and I would spy on my friend's older brother and his girlfriend. Those innocent feelings are perfectly displayed in this film as Truffaut does a great job at bringing the children's feelings up front and also their confusion as to what they are doing and feeling. For all the innocence in the film I think it's fitting that the film takes a rather drastic turn towards the end. I won't reveal what happens but it too is a part of childhood and I think it fit the film very well. The performances by the five kids are quite good but the real beauty here is Bernadette Lafont as the woman.
*** (out of 4)
Early Truffaut short has five young boys following around a beautiful woman who they begin to have feelings for even though none of them know exactly what the feelings are. They follow the woman around with her young lover as they walk, play tennis and eventually make love. This is a pretty good short with the director, apparently, reliving his youth and his first awakening to beautiful women in their short skirts. The movie is extremely well-made and I couldn't help but get a big chuckle at of the various situations that the boys put this woman and her lover in. I couldn't help but remember certain situations in my own use where my friends and I would spy on my friend's older brother and his girlfriend. Those innocent feelings are perfectly displayed in this film as Truffaut does a great job at bringing the children's feelings up front and also their confusion as to what they are doing and feeling. For all the innocence in the film I think it's fitting that the film takes a rather drastic turn towards the end. I won't reveal what happens but it too is a part of childhood and I think it fit the film very well. The performances by the five kids are quite good but the real beauty here is Bernadette Lafont as the woman.